Polished bronze vase by Hugo Robus.

Art Basel was held Dec. 3-6 at Miami Beach Convention Center bringing in art lovers from around the world and inspiring the pop up of many satellite fairs as usual… Check back here over the weekend for more pics from the show.

Tune in this Sunday evening, December 13th to watch the Pompano Beach Boat Parade LIVE on ObserverTV!

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

When I wrote my third book, “The Querulous Nights of Athena Minerva,” I sought to meld elements of a Gothic ghost story with that of contemporary horror. The feedback I received was that it was a good story, but very disturbing. The new movie Krampus also melds ancient folklore with popular culture, resulting in $16 million box office gross.

Krampus opens like a traditional Christmas movie with a Bing Crosby song and vivid cinematography featuring people entering a mall on Thanksgiving evening. Within seconds, it is chaos in slow motion as elvish displays get knocked over and people are hurting each other. The scene concludes with Max (Emjay Anthony) defending the honor of Santa Claus.

After receiving a lecture from his mom Sarah (Toni Collette) and dad Tom (Adam Scott), Max must prepare for the annual Christmas invasion by his redneck family, herded in by Uncle Howard (David Koecher) and Aunt Dorothy (Conchata Ferrell). Max’s cousins are the spawn of every negative stereotype ever written about people from rural America.

Frustrated with the antics of his family, Max gives up faith in Santa Claus, rips up his letter to the North Pole and throws pieces of the letter to the North Wind. The pieces of his shredded letter end up in the underworld and Krampus is summoned.

The set-up is good, but the execution is clichéd. The second half of this low-budget film relies on flashing lights, dark cinematography and overly fast-paced editing. The cinematography solidifies the conclusion by returning the family to the land of Currier & Ives. However, this conclusion is as open-ended as an episode of The Twilight Zone.

When I heard the voice of Bing Crosby, I had “high hopes” for Krampus. In German Alpine folklore, Saint Nicholas rewards the nice children, while his opposite, Krampus, punishes the naughty ones. If this film focused on punishing the naughty children and adults of popular culture, Krampus could have become a classic like Tim Burton’s A Nightmare before Christmas.

This is my 17th December writing this column. During this busy season, I have learned the value of seeing a movie that provides escapism from the daily grind. People will leave Krampus wishing to spend more time with Saint Nicholas instead.

Deerfield Beach

Nov. 20: It was reported that 300 A brackets were stolen from a construction site at 201 E. Sample Rd.

Nov. 23: A purse was stolen from a shopping cart at Target at 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Nov. 24: A pickup truck parked at 4685 NW 9 Ave. and a drill and the tailgate of the truck were stolen.

Nov. 24: A man used a gun to rob another man of his wallet at 4000 NE 2 Terr.

Lighthouse Point

Nov. 13: Someone broke into a vehicle and stole 80 cents and a checkbook from the center console while it was parked at 2350 NE 50 St.

Nov. 21: A male subject was observed taking 10 items and leaving the store at 3722 N. Federal Hwy. without paying for them. The loss prevention officer attempted to apprehend the subject who threw the merchandise at the employee and fled in a vehicle. The merchandise was valued at $132.91.

RE: Garbage pick-up

Dear Editor:

For years now, I have been using the city for garbage pick-up at my small auto repair shop. The fee was $169 a month for a 6 yd. container. However, my last two bills were only $75. I called to question that and was told that was correct, so I figured not to look a gift horse in the mouth … until today when I got my December bill of $279. I called again and was told that’s the new charge for a 6 yd. dumpster. Not much I can do about it except move down to a 4 yd. for $220.

The point is … how can the city just raise prices with no warning whatsoever? I mean a letter would have been nice about a $100 increase. This just burns me up. At least if I had known, I could price shop … Typical city move — just keep raising more revenue ‘til we are all out of business.

Steve Fabrizio

Deerfield Beach, FL

Treatment of Petland owner

Dear Editor:

This past commission meeting was an embarrassment of epic proportions … a new low for our commission.

We watched the meeting live, horrified and ashamed by this behavior, going outside protocol to call up a taxpaying business owner of our city for no other purpose than to ridicule a man who is outright exhausted from having to defend his name, his business and his livelihood for weeks.

He broke no laws. His business is state and federally licensed, and he adheres to those regulations. This was nothing more than modern-day McCarthyism.

After so much consideration afforded to The Cove Shopping Center businesses (multiple discussions, meetings, workshops, carrying on for months) despite a 60-year plus taxpayer subsidy given to those businesses, there was no real discussion making the taxpayers aware we’d be losing our freedom of choice, certain commissioners refused to meet with the business owner to learn more and have their questions answered, and the majority didn’t bother to respond to communications from constituents opposed to the severity of this ordinance.

Since it was a resolute “no” before this meeting even began, they should’ve kept it respectful and said no…instead of embarrassing themselves, and our city, with rambling, incohesive attempts to justify why they support an ordinance proposed by someone who doesn’t live here, fails in its intent of consumer protection, and opens us up to lawsuit which could’ve been avoided, the cost of which now falls on the taxpayers.

Jenn Pedone

Deerfield Beach

Note: Dates and times may change. Contact venues to confirm.

Cocktails with Santa

Thursday, Dec. 10, 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Deerfield Historical Society invites you to join them for some holiday cheer. Music, food, beverages and Santa! $10.

Friends of the Arboretum

Thursday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Arboretum

Constitution Park

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Free. Mike Purcell, superintendant of Parks and Recreation for Deerfield Beach, will talk about all the recreational opportunities offered in the city. Plant giveaway. For info., call 954-480-4495 or visit www.treezoo.com.

Youth Ministry Yard Sale

Friday, Dec. 11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday Dec. 12, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

First Christian Church

1960 NE 34 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

All monies raised will support Youth Ministry at First Christian Church Summer Camp Program, Furniture, bunk bed, electric hover-round, household items, clothes.

Movies in the Park: The Santa Clause

Friday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park

4111 NW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Free. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs. Snacks and glow items available for purchase.

Scuba Santa Photos

Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Aquatic Center

501 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Rescheduled from last week. Have pictures taken underwater with Scuba Santa. Must be able to swim and hold your breath for at least 5 seconds. $5.

BYOD (Dog) to meet Santa

Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Bring your furry friend and your camera for doggy fun and free photos with Santa. Pile o’snow, live performances, arts and crafts, games and more.

FHS Yard Sale

Saturday, Dec. 12, 8 a.m. to noon

Florida Humane Society

3870 Powerline Rd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33073

Gently used baby items, toys, clothing, household goods and more. For info., call 954-974-6152.

LHP DAR honors veterans

Saturday, Dec. 12, noon

Pompano City Cemetery

400 SE 23 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The Lighthouse Point chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution is partnering with Wreaths Across America to honor fallen heroes and veterans. Fresh wreaths will be placed on veterans’ graves. To sponsor a wreath, call 954-614-1715.

Car Show and Grand Opening

Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Java Express

10 SW 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free — car show and grand opening of Java Express. All kinds of cars – antique, muscle, new, custom. DJ and music. Lunch specials and family fun. For info., call 561-704-0669.

Brown Ballerina Block Party

Saturday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m.

Ali Cultural Arts Center

353 MLK Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

$10, Pompano residents; $20, non-residents. Screening of film Brown Ballerina, appearances by film’s director and producer, live dance performances, live painting, poetry, music and more. For info., call 954-786-7824 or visit www.aliculturalarts.org.

Christmas Music Presentation

Sunday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 5 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Featuring “A Christmas Rose” cantata, with local violinist Anne Allaire accompanying the Chancel Choir. Refreshments. For info., call 954-427-0222.

Holiday Pet Adoption Event

Sunday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Toyota of Deerfield Beach

1441 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Many adoptable pups — all shapes, sizes and breeds to choose from. Free food/drinks. For info., call 877-874-8290 or www.toyotaofdeerfield beach.com.

Pompano Holiday Boat Parade

Sunday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m.

Intracoastal Waterway in Pompano Beach

Free. Decorated and lighted boats cruise the Intracoastal Waterway in this favorite holiday event sponsored by the Pompano Chamber of Commerce. For info., call 954-941-2940.

The Nutcracker

Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 p.m.

Herb Skolnick Center

800 SW 36 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The Saladino Dance School presents seasonal dance favorite, The Nutcracker. Call for tickets, 561-251-8683.

Christmas Light Tours

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 6 to 9 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

$5 adults, $2 kids 12 and under. Get into the glow of the holiday with this cruise through the Tradewinds Park Christmas Light Exhibit and tour of local neighborhoods.

Save the Date!: Mardi Gras Casino Night

Friday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m. bus departs

St. Ambrose Catholic Church Men’s Club

380 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

$15 per person. $5 free play. $3 food coupon. Bus will leave St. Ambrose parking lot at 10 a.m. sharp. You most bring a Mardi Gras Casino Player’s Card, or your Drivers License or Passport. Call Jerry Mann, 954-856-6062.

In 2013, Life Church launched Restore, a digital learning experience with the vision of “doing better at doing good” by addressing poverty alleviation. A close friend of mine, Jonathan Meisner, served as one of the lead documentary filmmakers and speakers for the project. He graciously scheduled time to visit my classroom, sharing with my students a new paradigm regarding helping others, lest we do more harm than good.

Jonathan clarified that “poverty has less to do with money and more to do with relationships,” when you more aptly define poverty as being about broken relationships. We’ve been conditioned to recognize poverty solely as lacking material wealth. However, Restore identifies four major areas which also constitute poverty: a broken relationship between “us and God, us and creation, us and others, and us and ourselves.” By this new definition, people might find whilst driving their latest luxury vehicles that they, too, are impoverished.

The Restore experience reveals that while giving of resources is at an all-time high, the gap between wealthier countries and poorer ones has never been greater. This is largely due to our lack of understanding how to alleviate poverty, how to truly help. For far too long, we’ve told others what they need instead of asking them what they need. We’re great at relief, providing a temporary solution like bottles of water or charitable giving, but restoration, long-term investment — restoring broken relationships — here we’ve waned. As Simon Sinek states, we’ve turned helping into a business transaction, exchanging money and resources for the momentary pleasant feeling of goodwill.

If you recall, a rich man once approached Jesus and asked what one must do to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:17). He spoke of his strict adherence to the commandments, the things seen outwardly, yet Jesus wasn’t satisfied. In verse 21 Jesus says, “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’” Scripture tells us that the man “went away sad, for he had many possessions.” Rich, but in poverty; he had a broken relationship with God, being unwilling to wholly commit to his Creator. We’re quick to judge this man; yet, as we approach this Christmas season, aren’t we tempted to give “relief” only to feel better about ourselves? Are we ready to wholly commit to our coming King, accurately alleviating poverty by looking for relationships in need of mending and investing what is needed to restore them? That’s exactly what’s happening at Stonybrook.

I had a chance to speak with Chelsea Shoff, 25, a dedicated staff member for Urban Youth Impact, located in West Palm Beach. Shoff, along with various non-profit and government agencies, has been diligently restoring relationships in the Stonybrook housing project through after-school programs, adult workshops, Bible studies, and quarterly events in which volunteers and staff gather to show their love and support for the community.

Stonybrook has 220 housing units designated for single-parent homes; 450 kids call Stonybrook home. It’s been a “community plagued with violence, neglect, abuse, drugs [and] hopelessness,” says Shoff.

Yet, something incredible is happening. According to a recent article by Jason Hackett of WPTV, in the past six months, “calls for police service to the complex have dropped … 80 percent.”

Shoff credits much of the visible success to “parents stepping up and doing their part to want better for their families; kids grasping Jesus and wanting to change the way they act and think; [and] the community coming together more.” Relationships are being restored between God, creation, others and themselves thanks to the investment of dedicated volunteers and staff like Chelsea Shoff in the long-term success of the community.

What is your Stonybrook? Where do you need to invest your restoration efforts (not just relief)? Maybe you’ll get involved with Urban Youth Impact (www.urbanyouthimpact.com), serve students as a mentor,or possibly sign-up to tutor at a local school. Where and how will you pick up your cross daily? Pray about it. Ask God to use you this Christmas season to begin a journey of alleviating poverty through the restoration of relationships — between you and God, His creation, others and yourself.

C.J. Wetzler is the NextGen pastor at First Baptist Church of Deerfield Beach. Before transitioning into full-time ministry, CJ was a commercial airline captain and high school leadership and science teacher. For questions or comments he can be reached at cj@deerfieldfirst.com.

The City of Deerfield Beach, The Deerfield Beach Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Broward Sheriff’s Office Division of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services proudly presents Operation Santa 2015.

An annual Deerfield Beach tradition, Santa and Mrs. Claus along with their elves will be traveling on Santa’s sleigh throughout the main roads of the various Deerfield Beach subdivisions spreading holiday cheer during the month of December.

Santa’s schedule is as follows:

Friday, December 11, 2015 – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

From Powerline Road east to the Tri-Rail tracks, from SW 10^th Street to Sample Road

Including Crystal Lake, Crystal Heights, The Lakes, Waterford Courtyards, Meadows of Crystal Lake, Eastridge and surrounding neighborhoods

Saturday, December 12, 2015 – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

From Military Trail east to Federal Hwy., north of Hillsboro Blvd. to the Boca line

Including Hillsboro River Estates, College Park, Pleasant Ridge, Twin Oaks, Commonwealth Gardens, Deerfield Beach Estates and surrounding neighborhoods

Sunday, December 13, 2015 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Century Village

Sunday, December 13, 2015 – 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

From the Tri-Rail tracks east to I-95, from SW 10^th Street south to Sample Road

Including Highland Meadow Estates, Country Knolls, Woodsetter North, Woodsetter/Lake Island, Spring Lake, Bonnie Loch

Monday, December 14, 2015 – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

All of Deerfield from Federal Highway east to the ocean

Including the beach areas, The Cove, Little Harbor, Barwal, Deerfield Ridge, Eastway Park, Floresta Estates and surrounding neighborhoods

Tuesday, December 15, 2015 – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

From the Turnpike east to Military Trail, from Hillsboro Blvd. north to the Boca line

Including Riverglen, Coquina Lakes, Villages of Hillsboro, Starlight Cove, Deer Creek and surrounding neighborhoods

Thursday, December 17, 2015 – 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

City of Deerfield Beach Winter Wonderland at Villages of Hillsboro Park, 4111 NW 6 St.

By Gary Curreri

When it comes to swimming, Pompano Beach High School’s Courtney Stewart made the most of her senior year.

Stewart recently placed fifth in the 50-yard freestyle event as she clocked a 24.30 time at the FHSAA Class 2A meet at the Sailfish Splashpark Aquatic Athletics Center in Stuart to cap off a stellar career.

Stewart had won the 100-yard freestyle and was third in the 50-free in the BCAA meet that featured many of the top swimmers from Broward County.

“I definitely feel like I earned this race because I have been training in USA Swimming for the past three years,” Stewart said after winning the 100 Free at the BCAA competition. “I started in rec [recreational] league, and a lot of people underestimate rec league, but it really taught me how to swim and it really perfected my stroke before I got into the serious level of training.”

She admitted that starting USA Swimming in her freshman year was a little late; however, she was driven to become a better swimmer.

“In my freshman year, I swam the 500 free and the 200 IM and didn’t really know what I was doing,” said Stewart, who trains with BEST (Broward Elite Swim Team) under the direction of Coach Michael Hart. It is a small program composed of just female swimmers and Stewart is the oldest.

“Last year, I was third in the 100 free at the BCAA meet with a 54,” said Stewart, who clocked 53.85. “I was so close last year that I really wanted to win it this year. I didn’t even swim the 50 free last year. I wanted to try out the 50 free in my senior year and have a fun time, really sprint it out with all freestyle.”

Looking back over the past four years, Stewart is happy with her swimming path. She placed fifth at state last year in the 100 free and 14th the previous year in the 100 free.

“I have loved it,” she said. “I made so many great friends over the years that I am still friends with and they are in college now. I am so close with the team now as a captain. I am going to miss it so much.

“I know that, if I swim collegiate, it is going to be tough,” Stewart added. “It is still going to be an awesome experience though.”

This year, at states, she helped the 200 medley relay to a 12th place finish (2:05.42). Other members included freshman Gabriella Costello, and sophomores Sarah Gurdus and Taylor Zascavage. She was also a member of the 200 free relay that finished 13th place (1:43.79). [Additional] members of that relay included sophomores Mia Marquez, Francesca Vandersluis and freshman Gwen Bencie. The 400 free relay, of which she was also a member, picked up a 14th place finish (3:50.76) and that included sophomore Mia Marquez, and freshmen Gabriella Costello and Gwen Bencie.

Another Pompano High swimmer, Shane Schulte, also made the most of his season, yet he has three more years to go.

“I did pretty well this year,” said Schulte, 14, a freshman at the school. “I have dropped a lot of my times from my USA Swim meets, so that is pretty good.

“The competition is totally different from my regular USA Swimming,” added Schulte, who finished 22nd at state in boys 200 IM (2:06.92). “High school (competition) is all the way from 14 to 18 years old and, in USA, I am swimming against my own age group. Sometimes, this is a lot harder, but overall, it is pretty different and I like the challenge.”

Schulte helped the Pompano boys take 12th in the 200 medley (1:43.36). It also included his brother Christopher and fellow junior Race Wilhoite and freshman Matteus Santos.

Schulte also helped the Pompano boys take 13th in the 400 free relay (3:23.55). It also included brother Christopher and fellow junior Taylor Barton and Santos. Christopher Schulte took third in the B final of the Boys 100-yard breaststroke (1:02.51).

Other top performances by the Pompano High School team at the state meet included junior Carolyn Ehrlich, who placed third in diving (424.75), and Bencie, who won the B Final in the 100-yard backstroke (59.38). The girls finished 17th in the state, while the boys took 26th.

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Fatherhood is a strong theme of the movie Creed. While this film is the first Rocky movie I saw without my dad, it is also the first Rocky movie Sylvester Stallone has made since the loss of his son, Sage Stallone, who died of a heart attack in 2012.

In this sequel, Rocky Balboa is a supporting character to Adonis Johnson Creed (Michael B. Jordan). A child of foster homes and reform school, young Adonis grew up without his father, who was legendary fictional heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. Apollo’s widowed wife, Mary Anne Creed (Phylicia Rashad ), takes in the angry boy and raises him as her legitimate son. The lure of the boxing ring remains in his blood, despite the cushy lifestyle he has achieved as a successful business executive.

Adonis seeks out his father’s old rival, Rocky Balboa, who still manages his deceased wife’s restaurant and is lonely since his sidekick, Paulie, died and his son Robert moved to Vancouver. (Note: the picture of Young Rocky and son is that of Sylvester Stallone and his real life son, Sage.) Adonis and Rocky form a partnership that extends beyond the blood, sweat and tears of the boxing ring.

Creed is about growth and passing the torch to a next generation that is willing to receive it. The beauty of this movie is the marriage of old traditions with new ideas. While Rocky may be befuddled by an Apple iPad and the Cloud, the old man can still teach his prodigy the importance of understanding one’s own heart. Creed is a must-see.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 is the strongest box office champion since James Bond’s Spectre opened. This Hunger Games sequel is a worthy conclusion to author Suzanne Collins’s young adult novels about a dystopian future. The producers do not skimp on the production values. Mockingjay Part 2 opens slowly, but explodes into breathtaking and violent action.

With the ensemble actor’s participation, The Hunger Games movies will grow in stature thanks to Oscar winners Jennifer Lawrence, Julianne Moore and the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman. There are political themes within as ancient as Aristotle and echoing lyrics from the classic rock band, The Who – “Won’t get fooled again.” The four movies comprising The Hunger Games are pure literary cinema.

Both Creed and The Hunger Games:Mockingjay Part 2 are serious movies that are pure popcorn-eating entertainment. See these films with family members and friends, for the values presented in both movies are worthy of discussion around the dinner table.